Alexander brothers are convicted of sex trafficking in case that shocked real estate world
Alexander brothers are convicted of sex trafficking in case that shocked real estate world
New York (Associated Press)
On Monday, three siblings—Oren and Alon Alexander, both 38, and Tal Alexander, 39—were found guilty of sex trafficking charges following a protracted five-week trial. The case centered on allegations that the brothers used drugs and coercion to sexually assault numerous women, many of whom were drawn into their lives by their financial success and extravagant habits.
The jury’s decision came after 11 women took the stand, recounting incidents of assault by one or more of the brothers. These encounters took place during trips to upscale destinations like the Hamptons, a Caribbean cruise, and a ski resort in Aspen, Colorado. Prosecutors stated that over 60 women have claimed to be raped by the trio, though the defense argued that the accusers may have been influenced by the brothers’ wealth or sought personal gain through legal action.
Before establishing their own firm, Official, the brothers were prominent figures at Douglas Elliman, a major real estate company. Alon Alexander also worked at the family’s private security firm. The case has sparked a wave of lawsuits, including one filed by Tracy Tutor, a television personality known for her role in “Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles.” She accused Oren Alexander of drugging and assaulting her in a New York City restaurant bathroom during a real estate event.
As the legal proceedings unfolded, multiple women revealed that the brothers’ behavior had long been a known issue in the real estate industry. Some testified that they felt disoriented after receiving alcohol from the brothers, leading to a loss of control. One woman detailed how she was raped by Alon Alexander in Aspen in 2017, despite being the child of a billionaire. “I don’t want their money. I just don’t want them to have it,” she said to the jury.
Lindsey Acree, a Brooklyn-based artist and gallery owner, shared her experience of being assaulted by Tal Alexander and another man in the Hamptons during the summer of 2011. She described waking up naked after drinking less than half a glass of wine, feeling paralyzed and unable to resist. “If there’s a kid with a stick who keeps hitting people, you take their stick away,” she told the jury. “Money is their stick, so you take it away so they can’t hurt people anymore.”
Prosecutors relied on more than just witness accounts, using text and email messages as evidence. The brothers’ communications hinted at their sexual activities and their awareness of how drugs affect a woman’s inhibitions. A blog post titled “It’s not rape if …” further illustrated their mindset. The prosecution highlighted that the brothers had shared photos of victims, recorded at least one assault, and planned to sneak drugs onto a cruise ship.
The Associated Press typically avoids naming sexual assault victims unless they publicly disclose their experiences. However, in this case, Acree and Tutor chose to step forward, providing critical testimony that helped shape the verdict. Their public accounts have contributed to the growing awareness of the brothers’ alleged misconduct within the industry.